journaling fear with a touch of cheek...documenting one of those "I know it's irrational but I can't stop feeling it" kind of fears.

journaling reads: It’s just one of those things. It can’t be explained in rational terms. There is no *logical* explanation. Intellectually I know my emotional response is ludicrious. But my otherwise steady head loses ALL sense when it comes to dental visits. I know that it’s not at all “normal” to feel flushed with anxiety and nausea, blood pressure soaring at the mere thought of an office visit. (In fact, truth be told, even putting pen to paper with these words or talking about it has me feeling on edge and vulnerable and full of anxiety). I know it’s not at all “normal” to have tears, rapid breathing, hands clenched, eyes tight shut, muscles tensed when simply asked to open my mouth. The sounds, the smells overwhelm me. I can’t help it. I try to think positive thoughts. I try to breathe deeply. I tell myself I need to be responsible and it’s a matter of health. Nonetheless, try as I may, when it comes to seeing the dentist, I turn into emotional mush. Full of fear. Full.of.fear. Full of wet noodley goo. Wishing I were anywhere else. This is my “irrational” fear. And it means business. I literally have to force myself with all the intention I can muster (and the some serious support from loving family and kind medicines) to even face this fear. Wish it weren’t so. But alas and alack.